Night Road by Kristin Hannah (St. Martin’s Press; $27.99; 400 pages)
For a mother, life comes down to a series of choices. To hold on… To let go… To forget… To forgive… Which road will you take?
In a compelling novel of love, loss, hope and understanding, author Kristin Hannah redefines the pluses and minuses – challenges, tenderness and empowerment – of motherhood.
Jude Farrady has everything. She lives the ideal life; a loving husband, a custom-built home, friends that support and love her, and twins that have an extraordinarily close relationship. Her life revolves around her twins, ensuring that they have everything they need to be happy and successful.
Lexi Baill has nothing. The orphan of a drug addict, she has grown up living in multiple foster homes, without a family, abandoned and alone. With a heart of gold she selflessly carries hope that someday things will turn out differently.
When Lexi befriends Jude’s daughter Mia on their first day of high school, their lives are forever changed. Lexi brings out the best in the shy sister of the most popular boy in town. The bond between the twins and Lexi encourages the Farraday’s to treat Lexi like one of their own. Finally finding a permanent home with the aunt she never knew she had combined with the love she is shown from the Farraday’s, Lexi feels she has finally found the life she has always dreamed of.
Yet tragedy finds a way into the lives of even those with the most fortunate of circumstances. The resulting loss forces everyone to reevaluate the future of their relationships and life beyond the boundaries of the predictable.
Author Hannah presents an endearing and engaging story that uncovers a path of unpredictable events… Events that will leave you laughing, crying, wishing and hoping but above all feeling fully appreciative of the love, devotion and trials that come with the territory of being a mother.
Well recommended.
Kelly Monson
A review copy was received from the publisher. Night Road was released on March 22, 2011. “Longtime fans will love this rich, multilayered reading experience, and it’s an easy recommendation for book clubs.” Library Journal
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